SIAA names Maria Lykouras as new CEO

The Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association (SIAA) have announced former JBWere chief executive, Maria Lykouras, will succeed outgoing CEO Judith Fox in the role from 1 December, following a months-long recruitment search.

Fox first announced she was stepping down from the role after six years with the association back in July, confirming she will remain onboard until the end of the year to facilitate a seamless transition with the incoming Lykouras.

Lykouras, who was JBWere’s first woman CEO, brings extensive experience to the new role, having also spent time in executive positions at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Commonwealth Private division across its Advice, Operations and Risk, and Investment & Advisory Services functions.

Lykouras also spearheaded the development and release of a whitepaper, Women and Wealth, which has become a significant source for the industry in showcasing the role of financial advice for women in managing their wealth, particularly ahead of the impending intergenerational wealth transfer.

“Maria is an outstanding choice, bringing extensive experience across wealth management, financial markets, the regulatory environment, operations, and risk and compliance,” SIAA Chair and Director at Morgans Financial, Hamish Dee, said.

“Maria is dynamic and passionate about the future of wealth management and capital markets. She has over 25 years’ experience in the sector and a track record of delivering continuous improvement and fostering a culture of inclusion where every individual feels valued.

“She has longstanding, existing relationships with a wide range of our members and an in-depth understanding of the transformational changes they are facing in technology, investor demographics, market structure and regulation. Maria has great strengths in stakeholder engagement and will be a powerful voice for members as they navigate ongoing changes in the sector.

“This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for SIAA and the Board is looking forward to working with Maria to ensure the Association continues to deliver on its mission to support and promote the value of the stockbroking and investment advice industry to serve the interests of Australian investors.”

Lykouras and Fox have also found themselves both on Financial Newswire‘s Women in Wealth Awards judging panel for the third consecutive year.

“I am looking forward to bringing my experiences and capabilities in leading wealth businesses to this incredible opportunity to be a voice for our industry; provide value to our broad member base; and hopefully be able to support our members in facing current industry challenges,” Lykouras said.

“Priorities when I begin will be to meet with members, many of whom I already know through my previous roles.

“SIAA is in great shape under Judith’s leadership and I’m looking forward to continuing her legacy whilst driving a forward-looking strategy for SIAA and our industry.”